Nonvolition, expectancies, and hypnotic rapport.

Prior to hypnosis, 49 Ss were informed either that hypnotizable Ss can resist motoric suggestions or that such control does not characterize good hypnotic Ss. During hypnosis, susceptible and simulating Ss (as determined by a 10-point version of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility–Form A) received countersuggestions involving inhibiting suggestion-related movements. Susceptible Ss' responses were sensitive to prehypnotic normative information. There was a corresponding tendency for reports of involuntariness to be sensitive to the expectancy manipulation. Ss were able to feel deeply hypnotized and to rate themselves as good Ss yet concomitantly experience themselves as in control over their actions when normative information supported this attribution. Reports of suggestion-related sensations were associated with movements in response to countersuggestion. Simulators were unable to fake susceptibles' reports of sensations and involuntariness. However, for all Ss, movements paralleled expectancies about appropriate response, supporting the hypothesis that involuntary experiences are sensitive to the broad expectational context and are mediated by active cognitive processes. Rapport with the hypnotist was also a factor in resolving hypnotic conflict. (33 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)